Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas bars to close again and restaurants to reduce to 50% occupancy as coronavirus spreads

Gov. Greg Abbott at a press conference at the state Capitol in Austin on Monday, June 22,2020. Photo credit: Ricardo B. Brazziell/Pool/American-Statesman

The moves, announced Friday morning, represent Abbott’s most dramatic action yet in response a surge in cases after he allowed businesses to reopen in the state.

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Gov. Greg Abbott pauses Texas’ reopening, bans elective surgeries in four counties to preserve bed space for coronavirus patients

A doctor visits with a patient at a clinic in Sugar Land. Photo credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

For a second time since the start of the pandemic, Abbott banned elective surgeries to preserve bed space for coronavirus patients. But this time the hold on the nonessential procedures is only in effect for Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Travis counties.

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